All-Purpose, Never-Ending Soccer Thread

And again, great finish by Rooney steals it for United. Dida looked like he wasn't exactly sure where he was in his goal on that one, he was basically covering the far post from the angle Rooney shot it.

 

It was a very nice goal, though. Dida was out of position and that seems to have cost his team the game this time.

 

Yeah, great goal, including the weighted pass by Ronaldo to put him in. Today's game has set up what should be a fantastic second leg.

 

I couldn't believe Dida gave up that much room on the near post. You always take away the easier shot, and make the attacker try the difficult angle. That's GK: 101.

 

So what to expect from tomorrow? Essien got taken in on suspicion of DUI and was already suspended, and Ballack and Robben are both apparently out as well.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/6586827.stm

 

I'm almost certain that was for dissent. A technical foul more than a flagrant foul.

 

Plus the defender was on the inside of Rooney, making the far post a near-impossible shot. The only way Dida would have been burned by covering up the near post was if Rooney pulled up and caught Dida and the defender off-balance -- a much dicier proposition.

 

Dida's an excellent shot stopper, and his save on Fletcher was great, but he sure as heck won't be giving lessons on positioning.

By the way, what the hell has possessed Darren Fletcher?

 

Darren Fletcher has come alone nicely I think in part because he's been allowed to flourish in his role for Scotland. That's given him confidence to play for United, even if it's in a reduced role.

He thinks he's good enough now.

 

Chelski goes up early on Joe Cole's goal.

 

Jamie Carragher is a warrior, but he should have committed to doubling Drogba or paid attention to what was coming in behind him. He essentially defended no one and nothing. A rare mistake.

 

Pretty much what I expected ... scattered moments of brilliance surrounded by large stretches of turgidity. That's two goals in five matches between Chelsea and the RS. I'd give good odds it stays that way after six matches.